LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ark. – Following a terrible car accident which totaled his truck, broke his neck and left him fighting for his life, County Judge Dale Freeman made it through successful neck surgery Friday, the family said.

Freeman made it through the surgery Friday afternoon, according to a family member who spoke with NEA Report. The doctor said the surgery was a success and his vital signs improved as a result.

However, the doctor said he’s not out of the woods yet.

Doctors are preparing for a second neck surgery on Monday, this time from the opposite side they worked on Friday.

The family is very optimistic but is also asking for positive thoughts and prayers.

The vehicle accident happened near Cabot around 5:15 a.m. Wednesday morning. Freeman’s mid-sized Toyota truck was totaled in the accident and he had to be extricated from the crushed vehicle by emergency responders.

He was flown to Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, where he has remained in critical condition in the intensive care unit.